Animal Kingdom left Royal Ascot without the historic win he sought, but his mere presence was somewhat out of the ordinary for American-based runners. Avalyn Hunter reviews the phenomenon of U.S. horses competing abroad....Read More

With the confirmation that Unlimited Budget is a go for the 2013 Belmont Stakes (gr. I), Avalyn Hunter identifies several advantages available to top-flight fillies who take on the colts in big races....Read More

In Excess was a great success story--one of those horses lacking a remarkable pedigree or influential connections who nevertheless prospered. Stories like his keep the hope alive wherever Thoroughbreds are raised....Read More

Hollywood Park is now more valuable for its acreage than for the revenue it can bring in as an operating track. And so the memories of Citation and Noor, Swaps and Round Table, will fade away beneath housing, office space, and asphalt. ...Read More

While best known as the sire of the popular and versatile California-based gelding Lava Man-the first horse to win grade I races on dirt, turf, and synthetic surfaces-Slew City Slew was a stallion for Everyman. ...Read More

Historically, soft markets at the middle and lower levels have been warning signs of a lack of stability in the overall market. If you're a player below the top tier, caution is the watchword for 2013....Read More

A rule change in Ontario promises to affect provincial breeders and owners quickly and significantly. With the Thoroughbred industry a topic of American political debate, what can U.S. horsemen learn from our northern counterparts?...Read More

The impressive Suburban Handicap (gr. II) victory of Mucho Macho Man on July 7 is in interesting juxtaposition to the pensioning of his grandsire, Holy Bull, which was announced one day later....Read More

(By Avalyn Hunter) This year's Royal Ascot meeting saw two coronations. One was that of Frankel as possibly the best miler Europe has ever seen--rarefied air indeed when one considers the likes of Brigadier Gerard, Miesque, and Goldikova. The other was that of Black Caviar as not only the world's best sprinter but as a champion whose heart matches her stunning talent, overcoming both injury and an...Read More

Dynaformer was not a horse that had everything handed to him. While a multiple grade II winner on the track, he started his career in the shadow of two similarly-bred sons of Roberto, both members of his crop, who were both better racers: champion turf male Sunshine Forever and multiple grade I winner Brian's Time. But Dynaformer eclipsed both at stud.... (Avalyn Hunter reflects on Dynaformer's legacy.)...Read More

Three stallion lines dominate the list of potential 2012 Triple Crown candidates. Avalyn Hunter identifies the prospects--and also discusses the one stallion that appears well on his way to becoming universal in the pedigrees of American classic winners....Read More